Jacksonville Mayoral election 2015

[Cheshire Cat]

We will be seeing a viable race for mayor this year even though one candidate is an incumbent which of course is Mayor Alvin Brown.  For a time there had been speculation about whether or not he would face any real challengers for his office in that an incumbent is often hard to beat.  It appears the consensus is that Democrat Alvin Brown is in a vulnerable position as Mayor and is seen by many as lacking in leadership.  The first person of note to challenge Brown for his office is Councilman Bill Bishop a Republican.  Not too long after Lenny Curry former GOP Chairman also entered the race at the urging of Peter Rummell a former Brown supporter who now is one of his biggest critics.  There is one remaining candidate in the race named Omega Allen NPA who served as a member of the Northwest Jacksonville Trust Fund Advisory Committee.  This will be a "Unitary Election" meaning one not decided by party designation.  There will be two stages in the election process, the First Election March 24, 2015 which will decide the two candidates with the most votes regardless of party.  That will be followed by the General election on May 19th, 2015 which will decide who the next mayor will be.

Candidates for Mayor:

Alvin Brown, Incumbent  (D)
William "Bill" Bishop         (R)
Lenny Curry                      (R)
Omega Allen                     (NPA)

[Cheshire Cat]

There are only two "bio" statements on the SOE website submitted by candidates for the office of Mayor.  Those persons are Bill Bishop and Omega Allen.  Brown as an incumbent has a record as his bio.  There is nothing submitted by Lenny Curry at this time. 

Here is the SOE bio for Ms. Allen:

Website: omega4mayor.com
Phone: (904)465-4660
Facebook: Omega Allenfor Mayor
Email: omegaallenformayor@gmail.com

With a vision for true prosperity for the people of Jacksonville, Omega Allen represents a different/new breed of government – a government that is once again FOR and BY the PEOPLE with transparency, accountability, and integrity as its foundation.

Appointed by Mayor John Delaney, Omega Allen served as a member of the Northwest Jacksonville Trust Fund Advisory Committee for a decade. She had the distinguished honor of serving as Committee Chair for three years. The Committee administered and approved disbursement of $25 million of funding through the Better Jacksonville Plan, which was designated for Economic Development in areas North and West of the St. Johns River. The primary focus of the Committee was to create jobs and enhance business development in the target areas.

As a Certified General Contractor, she has been instrumental in the renovation of commercial property located in Downtown Jacksonville and at the Jacksonville International Airport. As program manager for the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), with a $26.2 million operating budget, Omega Allen provided oversight and direction for the purchase, renovation, and re-sale of more than 100 foreclosed upon properties. The NSP served as a catalyst for revitalizing targeted communities throughout Jacksonville and improving the quality of life for new home homeowners. She was the assistant project manager for the construction of the Aloft Hotel in the River City Market Place. As an educator, Ms. Allen cherished the opportunity to influence young minds and inspire students to achieve great things through higher education. Her focus and ambition is to make a difference in people's lives.

Omega Allen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and an MBA from Jacksonville University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration at Northcentral University. Her professional organization affiliations are The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) – Certified Craft Trainer and the National Association of Minority Contractors – Secretary, Northeast Florida Chapter.

[Cheshire Cat]

Here is the SOE bio for Bill Bishop:

Bill Bishop for Mayor
704 Rosselle Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-356-2654

BillBishopforMayor.com
Facebook: BillBishopforMayor
Twitter: @Bishop4Mayor

Bill and his family have lived in Jacksonville for over 30 years, the last 22 in Clifton. He is Vice President and Principal of Akel, Logan, Shafer, a 50-year-old Jacksonville-based architectural and planning firm. Through Bill's thirty years experience as a practicing architect, he has a thorough understanding of the importance of good design and community planning and its impact on the city.

Since 2007, Bill has served on the Jacksonville City Council, representing District 2. Bill currently serves on the Rules and Land Use and Zoning Committees. He has chaired the Rules and Transportation, Energy, and Utilities Committees. He also serves on the North Florida TPO and chairs the Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Commission.

Bill's work on the Jacksonville City Council over the past 7 years includes:

Served as Council President in 2012/13.

In 2011/12, as Council Vice President and Rules Chair, he led the city through its most efficient and least contentious redistricting process in decades.

He convinced the JTA to institute the recently completed corridor study of Southside Boulevard as a prerequisite to design changes to the Atlantic Blvd/Southside Blvd intersection.

As previous Chair of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission he was a leader in the effort to convince the administration to fight the Central Florida initiative to withdraw large quantities of water from the St. Johns River.

He worked with the Environmental Protection Board to successfully pass the city's first sustainable building ordinance that provides for expedited permitting for those engaging in environmentally sustainable building activities.

He worked with the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association to bring the USS Charles Adams (DDG2) to Jacksonville as a ship museum, including sponsoring the legislation providing a home for the ship on downtown Northbank.

Prior to being elected to serve District 2 on the City Council in 2007, Bill was actively involved in numerous Jacksonville community boards and commissions including the JCCI, Downtown Economic Advisory Committee, Riverside Avondale Preservation, City of Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses Summit, and more.

If elected as Jacksonville's next Mayor, Bill Bishop will lead the city by taking action to ensure economic, cultural and environmental strength and fortitude in the region. Bill believes it is our responsibility to do these things so that we can become the next Great American City.

Transform Downtown into the region's premier business, cultural, and entertainment center.

Implement citywide development policies that promote business development, economic opportunity, job growth, and protect and support Jacksonville's varied and unique neighborhoods.

Develop an integrated, proactive transportation policy to promote commerce and improve our quality of life.

Promote Jacksonville's premier business sectors such as banking and finance, health and wellness, the military, and logistics.

Promote expansion of college, technical, and continuing education.

Protect and promote our nationally-acclaimed resources including the St. Johns River, Timucuan Preserve, Beaches, Atlantic Ocean, Talbot Islands, and other special places.

Solve our long-standing financial challenges to reduce taxes and improve the economic environment.

For more information on Bill Bishop for Mayor, please visit BillBishopforMayor.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

[Cheshire Cat]

I did find a candidate FB page for Omega Allen which is https://www.facebook.com/Omega4Mayor?fref=ts

No other candidate website found.

[Cheshire Cat]

 Candidate FB page for Bill Bishop  https://www.facebook.com/billbishopmayor

Website:  Bill Bishop for Mayor,  http://www.billbishopformayor.com/

[Cheshire Cat]

Candidate FB page for Lenny Curry, https://www.facebook.com/curryformayor

Website: Curry for Mayor, http://www.lennycurryformayor.com/

[Cheshire Cat]

There is no FB "candidate" page for Alvin Brown there is one for him as Mayor Alvin Brown.  https://www.facebook.com/MayorAlvinBrown

[strider]

In regards to Ms Allen: This -  "As program manager for the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), with a $26.2 million operating budget, Omega Allen provided oversight and direction for the purchase, renovation, and re-sale of more than 100 foreclosed upon properties. The NSP served as a catalyst for revitalizing targeted communities throughout Jacksonville and improving the quality of life for new home homeowners." - is perhaps a big reason NOT to vote for her and why she is NOT qualified to be Mayor.  The NSP program was one of the worst run programs in this city - Just ask HUD.  HUD found the city and therefore those within the city who were responsible for those federal programs, including NSP1 and NSP3, incapable of properly implementing the required policies which resulted in the funds being improperly spent. As part of that fiasco, how could we expect any more from her as Mayor? The information about HUD issues on this subject can be found elsewhere on this forum.

Of course, that fact that this continued to happen under Mayor Browns watch adds to the question of his qualifications as well.

[Cheshire Cat]

^I completely agree Joe. 

[ronchamblin]

Diane.  I just want to thank you for the way you've conveyed to us busy and ignorant persons the overview of the candidates in the upcoming  mayor election.   

[Cheshire Cat]

Ron, you are so funny.  I just want busy folks to be informed voters and gain some insight into Jacksonville politics. Many people honestly do not understand the web of intrigue and manipulation that is Duval/Florida politics, not because the are ignorant but because the necessary time to research and study the players is not available to them. Politics is largely illusion while good people are looking for honest and competent representation in leadership.  They are often tricked by charisma and marketing into believing in some folks who are in the political process for power and money first and representation comes later as it is convenient or politically advantageous.  That dynamic can change when folks seriously engage the political process and do more than look at the surface rhetoric of campaigns and instead do research and look for candidate plans as opposed to promises. It is not about who raises the most money and that should never be the measure.  That is faulty thinking yet a belief that this society has been groomed into believing is an appropriate measure of leadership.  It is not!

[ronchamblin]

Well stated Diane.

Ignorance, complacency, comfort, and selfishness are the hinges by which most vote, or choose to abstain..  Only when comfort declines, and ignorance is gained by the pressure of need, will the voter gain the sense to avoid being hoodwinked by the charming charlatan ... the typical politician ... the wealthy mediocrity who simply wants status, money, and power.  Our city meanders in seeming mediocrity as a consequence of a lack of real leadership, which is a consequence of voter apathy and ... as said in the beginning ... ignorance, complacency, comfort, and selfishness in the citizenry.

[Cheshire Cat]

Here is a view of the three top/viable candidates for Mayor of Jacksonville.  They are Alvin Brown (incumbent), William "Bill" Bishop and Lenny Curry.  There is no video reporting of much information on the final candidate Omega Allen.  From "This Week in Jacksonville" News4Jax spoke with Brown, Bishop and Curry.  It is a good piece that gives us some insight it the views and plans of the three aforementioned candidates.  (Perhaps one of the moderators can embed the video on this thread).  To view it click:  http://www.news4jax.com/the-mayoral-race-heats-up/30341698

[Cheshire Cat]

I want to make a personal comment here.  After watching the video above which interviews Brown, Curry and Bishop I have the following comments.  First it the fact that Alvin Brown is still full of promises and hot air and glorifying the budgets he submitted that did not raise taxes but were so faulty when handed off the the city council they had to be reworked and taxes raised. His vision for Jacksonville? The same one he had last election cycle, the mysterious yet undefined "next level".  He could not explain what next level he took our city to but promised we would hear some big announcements in 2015.  He had a problem answering direct questions or naming anything positive he has accomplished save picking a good staff.  Lenny Curry, chokes on the words "Candidate for Mayor".  He does not answer direct questions fully.  He thinks the way to handle crime is more officers on the street, when asked specifics he gave none and continued to claim he is the most qualified, sighting an 8 year career as and accountant and calling himself an entrepreneur and job creator but did not sight the jobs he has created. The tag under his name online says "He co owned and operated a local business", no mention of his years as a fund raiser and political pundit for the GOP. He spoke briefly to Downtown and criticized Brown budgets and handling of the pension.  Bill Bishop comes last in this exchange and he certainly packs the most punch both with his ideas and understanding of what our city is facing along with a great vision of where our city can go.  He speaks directly to funds to create enterprise and where they can be found.  He spoke to crime and the many facets of that issue most importantly he also spoke directly to the need to involve the citizens of Jacksonville in solutions especially those in the N.W. sector who have the most crime but the least input into the potential solutions and their concerns about it.  He also speaks to the proud heritage of Jacksonville as a military city.  In conversation he states his support for downtown revitalization and explains what the city can do to make that happen by getting themselves and their red tape out of the way.  If anyone can view this segment and not clearly understand why Bill Bishop should be our next mayor, well then you are either standing on political preference or simply not paying attention to who is asking to be mayor that has the experience to fill the office. Bishop has nearly 8 years on council and a complete understanding of how the city does business. He knows the ins and outs of city operation. Bishop is the man who can come into office and hit the ground running and really take our city forward in a positive manner and do so skillfully.  I am tired of Alvin Browns hype and incompetence in the office of mayor. He is a lightweight who seeks media attention and knows how to spin a charming yarn.  Basically he tells a good story but not much else.  I don't believe Lenny Curry has any of the experience necessary to be mayor and eight years as an auditor does not cut it.  He has no real plans he is presenting to voters but lots of feel good soundbites about himself and his hopes for Jacksonville.  Frankly he is the flip side of the Alvin Brown coin but so like Brown before and during the last election cycle.  Curry has zero real experience in city governance yet wants to run Jacksonville. Unfortunately as someone who is supposed to come to this office in a non partisan mindset, his entire bulk of experience in politics was as the Chairman to the State GOP and they are among his greatest supporters which means at some level he is still attached to one of the main forces of partisan politics which is the State GOP that means strings "are" attached.  Alvin Brown who carries the tag of Dem brags that he has not involved himself in politics or other campaigns, which is true and confounding when I think about the reality that some Dem's still support him in spite of the fact that he failed to support the HRO legislation and equality.  Bill Bishop is a Republican but one who is moderate in view and action, has several positive plans, has sat through all current legislation and understands it.  He also understands the budget and how to write and present one contrasted with  Brown who has failed miserably in the budget all his time in office.  Three budgets submitted and not one that was truly balanced or viable.  Bishop has a plan to solve the pension issue as well as create more excitement for downtown and stability and growth for the entire city.  He is the candidate that I will be voting for without hesitation.  He is the best qualified for the job with the most experience and is a man who when he speaks people can feel the intellect behind the words.  No hype, no hot air and empty promises but a man with solid and viable plans to make Jacksonville whole.  In spite of being a life long Democrat I will not vote based on partisan politics or empty headed words of hype and promise. I never have and never will. I vote for the person who is qualified and competent period.  I don't want to put our city through another couple of years of a new office holder with no real experience. Curry who must start with next to no understanding of city politics, legislation and funding.  That means valuable time lost during his learning curve.  I will vote for real experience, honesty, integrity and a man who while representing our city will be seen as a thinker as opposed to ceremonial ribbon cutter. Not a man like Brown who got into to office with promises still unfulfilled as he asks for another term. A man who most movers and shakers do not take seriously.  Bill Bishop is the man who should be our next Mayor.  Brown lacks leadership,depth and wisdom.  Curry is a man tied to the GOP state structure coming to us with no experience in city government and no real plans or understanding of what is right and what is wrong in Jacksonville.  We don't have time for a Brown do-over or for a new office holder to get up to speed.  Bill Bishop is the only man in this race who is truly qualified to hold the office of Mayor of Jacksonville.  With my years of political insight and clear understanding of our city and how it operates I fully support Bill Bishop for Mayor and he will get my vote and the votes of my friends and family. 

[bill]

So you and the other mensas/politico operatives from MJ will be voting for the guy that either comes in 3rd or is not on the ballot? Way to go 0-forever